<p>Hey guys, Im looking through Lou's List (which is awesome by the way) and just browsing around classes that I will potentially take in the Fall. I stumbled upon the foreign languages, which made me think about what language I would take, and which would actually benefit me in the long run.</p>
<p>I took 2 years of French in high school, and 2 years of Latin. But in college, I want to do something different. So....</p>
<p>Spanish vs. Sign Language?</p>
<p>I think Spanish would be a great choice. My reasons for why choose Spanish:</p>
<p>A) Used a lot in the United States. It’d make you a competitive when you apply for jobs.
B) Study abroad. You might want to do a semester in Mexico, Spain or some other Spanish-speaking country.
C) Spanish music is great. 
D) Spanish films are getting better.
E) It’d probably be easier than sign language since you already have a background in French and Latin, which are similar to Spanish.</p>
<p>Good luck on choosing. (:</p>
<p>Go for something super different! I took Chinese for a semester, and it was hard, but it was one of my favorite classes so far.</p>
<p>Chinese…</p>
<p>As someone who took both Chinese and Spanish during high school, I would advise you to take Spanish.</p>
<p>People think, “Oh Chinese is cool! It may be hard but China is going to rule the world in the future so you might as well prepare yourself now.” Yes, Chinese is a cool language. Yes, China’s economy is going to surpass ours soon. However, practically speaking, taking Chinese will not be beneficial in the future. Unless you practice what you’ve learned, you WILL forget it VERY quickly! This is true for any language, but because there is virtually no Chinese spoken in America (with the exception of the Chinatowns and a few neighborhoods) you’ll have to move to China if you want to retain what you’ve learned. Moreover, you won’t be able to talk to too many people in Chinese if you’re in America. </p>
<p>If you’re not concerned about longterm knowledge, you could go ahead and take whatever language interests you and have fun with it before you forget it. That’s completely fine.</p>
<p>Just have fun with whatever language you take and make sure you’re aware of the consequences!</p>
<p>As far as Spanish and sign language are concerned, I say you should go with whatever you like the most! You’ll probably be able to speak with more people using Spanish, but sign language is also beneficial. It’s really up to you and what makes you happy!</p>
<p>Your only problem with starting Spanish at UVA is that the Spanish Department offers very few sections of Spanish for beginners. That’s because so many students already have some background, and place higher. So you may find yourself shut out of the 1010 class. With your background in French and Latin, you may be able to get into the accelerated beginning Spanish class, which used to be called 106.</p>
<p>You can also get around this problem by working through a good teach-yourself course. I used the Mastering Spanish series of CDs published by Barron’s (actually, the first half of a course designed to teach Spanish to American diplomats stationed in Latin America; the second half of the course, if you get that far, is available from Audio-Forum, a specialty distributor). Then, in August, take the placement test and get into a higher level class.</p>
<p>If you learn Spanish, you can learn Portuguese…Brazil is a sleeping giant, after all.</p>
<p>why not both?</p>
<p>I agree with blaugrana about the music. (:
[YouTube</a> - Carlos Baute - Colgando en tus manos (con Marta Sanchez)](<a href=“Carlos Baute - Colgando en tus manos (con Marta Sanchez) - YouTube”>Carlos Baute - Colgando en tus manos (con Marta Sanchez) - YouTube)
[url=<a href=“- YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5G0qdfFRxg]YouTube</a> - Juanes-Sue</p>
<p>russssssssian</p>
<p>:D good one, but be prepared…</p>
<p>coolpg, i agree with you on your point that it’s really hard to retain yout language ability if you dont live in that environment where ppl all speak that certain language. that makes sense since most of us have experienced that already. “Moreover, you won’t be able to talk to too many people in Chinese if you’re in America.” but where does this come from? i think you should first figure out your motive of learning chinese or any other language. if ur really interested in chinese (or any other language), u’ll certainly find a lot of ppl with the same interest as you, then, talk to them in chinese (or any other language). you can’t ask ppl to drop something just because it might not be that useful. </p>
<p>in fact there r a lot ot chinese people in america. chinese is useful. you just haven’t found out yet because maybe you dont really care.</p>
<p>oh, btw, almost every student in china starts to learn english from an early age. can you say to them that “you won’t be able to talk to too many ppl in English if you are in China. just drop it.”? </p>
<p>i don’t understand what kinda logic ur following here.</p>
<p>^^
Learning English in China is completely different because the students literally have every single classmate learning it alongside them. While it is true that the older generations are not as knowledgeable in English, younger generations definitely know how to carry a conversation in both language. Furthermore, the foreign language requirements there start extremely early in the child’s educational career. We’re talking elementary school through high school! By the time they reach college, they’re expected to know English fluently.</p>
<p>I’m not telling the OP to drop Chinese, at all. I’m just warning him of the consequences. My statement about talking to few people in Chinese while he’s in America is true, regardless. It would be foolish to assume that the OP will be able to communicate with several Americans in Chinese. He’ll be able to speak to more in Spanish, without a doubt.</p>
<p>Of course there are some Chinese people in America. Of course Chinese is useful. I’m not disregarding any of this. I am merely stating a fact. The OP will have a harder time meeting people who want to speak with him in Chinese while he’s in America, unless he plans on living in a major city.</p>
<p>My logic isn’t faulty…it’s just common sense.</p>
<p>^
maybe i do misunderstand some of your statement. “learning english in china is completely different” that’s right. “the students literally have every single classmate learning it alongside them” this doesn’t mean they have more people to talk to in english, actually. as far as i know, most of the students are good at writing and reading but are uncomfortable to talk to each other in english, which is not their first language. so just because you have more people around you who study the same language as you do doesnt mean that you have a better chance of talking to more people.</p>
<p>^ I guess it just depends on the individual and his willingness to actively search for others willing to speak with him in that language.</p>
<p>^ :d agreed</p>